AESTHETIC MEDICAL CLINIC
Acne Scarring
Acne scarring is more than a skin concern. Pits, indentations, and surface irregularities are difficult to conceal and easy to notice. At our Bristol clinic, we understand how much it affects confidence.
The treatment journey
Acne scarring troubles many people. It is usually most troublesome on the face, where most acne occurs, and it can leave pits, indentations and surface irregularities that are impossible to conceal even with good make-up. Oblique lighting, at evening events, for instance, can actually make these contour changes more visible. It matters.
I always describe acne scar treatment as a journey. There is no single treatment that works for all scars, and there is no cure. But for most people, we can achieve at least a 50% improvement, and often considerably more. Different scars need a different approach, and knowing which treatment to use requires both experience and the right clinical resources. At our Clifton, Bristol clinic, we are well placed to assess and treat all types of acne scarring.
Every Type of Acne Scarring. Expertly Treated.
Ice-Pick Scars Deep, narrow pits extending into the dermis. The most challenging type to treat. AcuPulse fractional CO2 laser resurfacing, combined with targeted dermal filler for individual pits, produces the best outcomes.
Rolling and Boxcar Scars Broader, shallower depressions with sloped or sharp edges. Microneedling with PRP or polynucleotides, and AcuPulse fractional CO2 laser, all work well here.
Surface Irregularities and Post-Inflammatory Changes Textural roughness and pigmentation following active acne. Skin peels and Obagi Nu-Derm prescription protocols address these effectively. The Lav Dual non-ablative laser can also produce meaningful improvement in surface texture and tone with minimal downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions, Acne Scarring
-
How many treatments will I need?
This depends entirely on the scar type and severity. Some patients see excellent improvement within three to four sessions. More complex scarring typically requires a longer programme. We give an honest assessment at your first consultation.
-
Can acne scarring be completely removed?
Not always. The goal is a meaningful, visible improvement, not perfection. Most patients find that a 50–70% improvement makes a significant difference to daily confidence.
-
Does active acne need to be under control first?
For the best results, yes. Treating scars during active breakouts risks creating new scarring at the same time. We will advise on the appropriate sequence at consultation.
-
Is laser treatment safe for darker skin tones?
Certain laser treatments carry a pigmentation risk for darker skin types. We assess your Fitzpatrick skin type carefully and select the most appropriate treatment. Microneedling is safe across all skin tones.
